Christmas Monster

Chinatown wants to be L.A.'s Christmas shopping destination this year. The boxy Christmas tree is up in the central plaza, and the area has been airing radio ads on KCRW. Maybe because of all this holiday cheer in Chi-town, I can't help but see Elizabeth Higgins O'Connor's gargantuan wood and fabric sculptures, on view in "Dreadful Sorry Clementine" at Charlie James Gallery, as creatures that would be perfect in a DIY version of The Nutcracker. The show's definitely kid-friendly. 975 Chung King Road; through Jan. 7. (213) 687-0844, cjamesgallery.com. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Nov. 5. Continues through Jan. 7, 2011